churches has provoked a storm of controversy among one congregation.

Sunday's service ended in disruption at the Grace Methodist Church when the organist refused to play.

And a member of the congregation spoke out in protest at the Synod's decision to invite Canadian preacher the Rev. John Van Gulick from Southampton to conduct the service.

His predecessor and fellow Canadian the Rev. David Chisling upset members of Southampton Methodist Church congregation with his liberal views on the ordination of homosexuals.

But since Grace's own minister, shared with Cobbs Hill Methodist Church departed over 18 months ago, the church has relied on lay preachers.

The problem was compounded last May when the Cobbs Hill church announced plans to break away from the United Church of Canada.

Now congregationalists want Bermudian minister, the Rev. Charles Swan, who retired prematurely from his ministry in Canada to take over the job.

Lay preacher at the church Mr. William Lightbourne said the Synod's decision created an embarrassing situation for the invited minister and the congregation which recently voted 17 to 3 to keep their lay preachers.

"They are saying nothing should be done without the agreement of the congregation,'' he said.

He said a letter had been sent to the Synod setting out the church's position on the issue but so far there had been no reply.

Mr. Swan said people preferred continuity and the practice of rotating preachers was proving unpopular.

"We do hope this will be resolved amicably and that we get on with healing the rift,'' he said. "It is not a good thing for a church to be squabbling internally.'' In light of the conflict, he agreed with Mr. Van Gulick that neither would take the pulpit on Sunday.

Yesterday, President of the Bermuda Methodist Synod, Mr. Leo Mills denied an incident had taken place at Grace Methodist Church.

"There really is no story,'' he said.

The Synod is to announce its position on the matter at a meeting on Thursday.